US8998287B2 - Roll tarp system - Google Patents
Roll tarp system Download PDFInfo
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- US8998287B2 US8998287B2 US13/840,745 US201313840745A US8998287B2 US 8998287 B2 US8998287 B2 US 8998287B2 US 201313840745 A US201313840745 A US 201313840745A US 8998287 B2 US8998287 B2 US 8998287B2
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- tarp
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J7/00—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs
- B60J7/08—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position
- B60J7/085—Non-fixed roofs; Roofs with movable panels, e.g. rotary sunroofs of non-sliding type, i.e. movable or removable roofs or panels, e.g. let-down tops or roofs capable of being easily detached or of assuming a collapsed or inoperative position winding up, e.g. for utility vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/54—Gates or closures
- B65D90/66—Operating devices therefor
Definitions
- the invention is generally applicable to a roll tarp system. More specifically, the invention is applicable to a roll tarp system for covering an open top container, such as an open top container of a vehicle
- Open top containers are often used to transport materials, such as fungible goods, by water, rail or road. Open top containers are conventionally covered after loading to protect the container's contents. Such containers may also be covered when empty after unloading for a variety of reasons. During transport and storage, the contents of such open top containers are subject to weather damage and loss from wind.
- Open top containers are often used to haul materials such as waste materials, soil, gravel, harvested product, e.g., oats, corn, barley, and wheat, between two or more locations, e.g., fields, silos, processing plants, etc.
- materials such as waste materials, soil, gravel, harvested product, e.g., oats, corn, barley, and wheat
- locations e.g., fields, silos, processing plants, etc.
- open top containers are loaded from the top which requires a large portion of the top of a trailer to be open for loading.
- manually covering the container is time consuming, expensive, and potentially difficult.
- the installation of a manual tarp over an open top container may take up to 30 minutes.
- the operator may be required to climb to the top of a container in order to properly attach the tarp and cover the load, which may be inconvenient or difficult.
- a flip tarp system which includes arms on both sides of the container.
- Such systems generally include arms which pivot about the midpoint of the container body and deploy a tarp over the top of the container as the arms are moved in a forward to rear direction, relative to the container.
- Such systems typically require a large amount of clearance over the top of the container to keep the tarp from striking any object or obstruction in the path of the arms and tarp.
- tarping system is a side flip tarp system that has arms on at least the front and back of the trailer that pivot at one side of the top the trailer and include a mechanism that moves one or both arms to flip the tarp from a closed position horizontal to the ground to a vertical position alongside the trailer (i.e., parallel to the sidewall of the container).
- side flip systems where the tarp is split longitudinally into two sections that each have an arms in the front and back of the trailer that pivot at each side of the top of the trailer and include a mechanism to move each section of tarp from a closed position horizontal to the ground to a vertical position along each side of the trailer.
- Some such systems require a heavy torque tube to run the entire length of the trailer in order to cause the back arms to flip the tarp, making the system heavy, thus reducing payload.
- a typical side roll tarping system generally includes a roll pipe connected to a tarp.
- the roll pipe turns in one direction, and travels across the container from one side to the other, as it rolls up the tarp to expose the open container below.
- the roll ripe turns in the opposite direction and travels back across the container, thus unrolling the tarp over the open container.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container including one exemplary embodiment of a roll tarp system, showing an open top container with a roll pipe and a tarp in a third position, i.e., the roll pipe secured in a closed and locked position;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 , showing the roll pipe and tarp in a second position, i.e., the tarp in a fully extended position which covers a portion of the side of the container;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 , showing with the roll pipe and tarp in a partially opened position;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 , shown with the roll pipe and tarp in a first position, i.e., the roll pipe in an open position;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the actuator and coupling unit of the of the embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the coupling unit shown along the lines A-A of FIG. 5 , showing a coupler unit pin engaged;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the coupling unit of FIG. 5 shown along the lines A-A of FIG. 5 , showing a coupler unit pin disengaged;
- FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of the embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 , shown with the roll pipe in the third position (i.e., the roll pipe secured in a closed and locked position) and the tarp removed;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 , shown with the roll pipe and tarp in a partially open position;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of a portion of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 , shown with an optional manual crank attached to the roll pipe;
- FIG. 11 is a top view of a joint of the optional manual crank of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the joint of the optional manual crank of FIG. 10 , shown along the lines B-B of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 with the roll bar and tarp removed to illustrate the latching mechanism and roll return system;
- FIG. 14 is a magnified perspective view of the section designated as “A” in FIG. 13 showing the latching mechanism and roll return system;
- FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the roll return system of the embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a container including a second exemplary embodiment of a roll tarp system, showing an open top container with a roll pipe and a tarp in a third position, i.e., the roll pipe secured in a closed and locked position;
- FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 16 , shown with the roll pipe and tarp in a first position, i.e., the roll pipe in an open position;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a of a portion of a third exemplary embodiment of a roll tarp system
- FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of a container including a fourth exemplary embodiment of a roll tarp system with the power mechanism fixedly mounted to the flexible arm assembly shown in the third position, i.e., the roll pipe secured in a closed and locked position;
- FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the container and embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIG. 20 shown in the first position, i.e., the roll pipe in an open position;
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of an optional rear aim of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a roll tarp system.
- connecting and “securing” “coupling” “attached,” and “mounting” as used herein include but are not limited to affixing, joining, attaching, fixing, fastening, or placing in contact two or more components, elements, assemblies, portions or parts.
- Connecting, securing, coupling, attaching, and mounting two or more components, etc. can be direct or indirect such as through the use of one or more intermediary components and may be intermittent or continuous.
- tarp as used herein includes any flexible sheet member, whether it be made of a solid or mesh type material.
- a roll pipe can be of any crossection and is not necessarily round.
- a container assembly which includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position in which the tarp covers the open top to an open position in which the open top is exposed, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion.
- the arm assembly biases the roll pipe toward the closed position when the roll pipe is in the open position.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position in which the tarp covers the open top to an open position in which the open top is exposed, and an aim assembly having a flexible arm portion and a rigid arm portion.
- the roll pipe of the exemplary embodiment is disengagable from the power mechanism by operator manipulation of a release mechanism.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and an arm assembly having a flexible portion.
- the roll pipe of the exemplary embodiment may be disengagable from the power mechanism and movable by an operator by use of a manually operable device.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and an arm assembly having a flexible aim portion and a rigid arm portion.
- the roll pipe of the exemplary embodiment may be disengagable from the power mechanism and movable by an operator by use of a manually operable device.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion.
- the flexible arm portion of the exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of arm sections or leaves.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion and a rigid arm portion.
- the flexible arm portion of the exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of arm sections or leaves.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion.
- the exemplary embodiment of roll tarp system further includes a roll return system operably connected to the roll pipe for assisting the power mechanism in returning the tarp to an open position and/or contributing to the smooth operation of the tarp system when the tarp is moved from the open position to the closed position and/or from the closed position to the open position.
- the power mechanism is operably connected to one end of the roll pipe and the roll return system is operably connected to the opposite end of the roll pipe.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and at least a pair of arm assemblies, each arm assembly having a flexible arm portion.
- each of the arm assemblies may include a power mechanism.
- some of the arm assemblies may be provided without a power mechanism.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm portion and a rigid arm portion.
- the flexible arm portion of the exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of arm sections or leaves.
- a roll tarp system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a container, a roll pipe, a tarp sized to cover an open top of the container, a power mechanism for rolling the roll pipe from a closed position to an open position, and an arm assembly having a flexible arm.
- the power mechanism is attached to one end of the arm and the other end of the arm is attached to the container.
- the roll pipe of the exemplary embodiment is disengagable from the power mechanism and moveable by an operator by use of a manually operable device.
- This invention is directed to a roll tarp system for covering open top containers.
- the system rolls a tarp from one side of the container to the other in a reciprocating manner.
- a biasing member is loaded (i.e., by the bending or torque applied to the biasing member) as the tarp is moved toward an open position during the uncovering of the container.
- the biasing member biases the roll tarp system toward a closed position.
- the two motions provide a covered position and an uncovered position.
- Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are discussed with regard to a container having longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions.
- the roll tarp system of the present invention may be configured to cover any type, shape or size container.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of roll tarp system 10 .
- the exemplary embodiment of roll tarp system illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is oriented with regard to longitudinal 11 a , lateral 11 b , and transverse 11 c directions positioned to be essentially orthogonal.
- the longitudinal direction 11 a is aligned with the longest portion of the open top container 12
- the lateral direction 11 b extends from one side of the container to the other
- the transverse direction 11 c is aligned with a vertical plane. All directions are with respect to an open top container 12 .
- the illustrated directions 11 a , 11 b , 11 c are for discussion only and do not limit in any way the practice or application of the invention.
- the exemplary roll tarp system 10 may be used to cover an open top container 12 .
- the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the roll tarp system 10 generally includes a tarp 13 , a roll pipe 14 , and a latching mechanism, such as a latch plate 43 .
- the tarp 13 is used to cover the container 12 when the container is loaded with material, or when coverage of the container is otherwise desired.
- a first side of the tarp 13 is attached to a first side of the open top container 12 (as illustrated in FIG. 1 ).
- the opposing second side of the tarp 13 is attached to a roll pipe 14 .
- the roll pipe can be oriented on the opposing side of the container in the covered position.
- one or more tarps can be used to cover some or all of the open top container.
- each tarp may be coupled to a separate roll tarp system, thus providing for the independent operation of each tarp.
- the roll tarp system 10 relies at least in part on an arm assembly to control the position of the roll pipe.
- the aim assembly of the roll tarp system 10 helps to eliminate the need for a number of pivots and the large biasing means typically required by a side roll system.
- an aim mount 15 is attached to an end of the container 12 , either at the front end of the container, the back end of the container, or both, and a flexible arm segment 16 is attached to the arm mount 15 .
- flexible arm segment 16 is connected to a rigid arm segment 17 such that the two arms segments 16 , 17 may move in relation to each other.
- the flexible arm segment 16 may be connected to the rigid arm segment 17 in a variety of ways. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.
- the flexible arm segment 16 may be connected to the rigid arm segment 17 by a pivot member 110 that pivotally connects the flexible arm segment 16 to the rigid arm segment 17 .
- a pivot member 110 is not provided with all embodiments of the roll tarp system 10 and in some embodiments the flexible arm segment 16 is connected directly to the rigid arm segment 17 .
- the arm assembly may include a flexible arm only and not include a rigid arm segment.
- the flexible arm segment 16 biases the roll tarp system towards a closed position.
- one or more arms may be provided that bias the roll tarp system towards an open position.
- the roll tarp system 10 may include one or more arms that bias the roll tarp system towards a closed position.
- an actuator 18 is attached to the rigid arm segment 17 .
- the actuator 18 may be attached to the rigid arm segment 17 in a variety of different ways.
- the actuator 18 is attached to the roll pipe 14 by use of a coupling unit 19 .
- the actuator is an electric motor including an optional gear reducer attached.
- the actuator 18 may be any powered device or mechanism.
- FIGS. 1-4 An exemplary travel path of the roll pipe and tarp are shown in FIGS. 1-4 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates the container 12 with the tarp 13 and roll pipe 14 in a covered position with the roll pipe 14 engaged with the latching mechanism 43 in a locked position (i.e., the third position).
- FIG. 2 the roll pipe 14 is shown in a fully extended position (i.e., the second position) before it advances back up the side of the container 12 to a locked or latched position in engagement with the latching mechanism 43 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a container 12 with the roll pipe 14 disposed between the two sides of the container 12 in a partially open position with the interior of the container 12 partially exposed.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the container 12 with the tarp 13 and roll pipe 14 in a covered position with the roll pipe 14 engaged with the latching mechanism 43 in a locked position (i.e., the third position).
- FIG. 2 the roll pipe 14 is shown in a fully extended position (i.e.,
- the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the roll tarp system 10 includes a plurality of supports 50 for supporting the roll pipe 14 and tarp 13 when the roll tarp system 10 is in the open position (i.e., first position).
- Such supports can have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations in various embodiments of the roll tarp system.
- the actuator 18 is activated to rotate the roll pipe 14 to unroll the tarp 13 .
- the roll pipe is rotated in a clockwise direction (when viewed from the front of the container with the arm mount 15 ) during the covering operation.
- the roll pipe 14 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 4 (i.e. the fully open position) and travels over the top of the container 12 with the tarp 13 being unrolled as the roll pipe 14 moves to cover the open top container 12 .
- the flexible arm segment 16 which biases the roll tarp system 10 of the illustrated embodiment towards the closed position, serves to urge the actuator 18 and roll pipe 14 along towards the closed position during the unrolling of the tarp over the container (as shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the flexible arm segment 16 also resists the torque of the actuator 18 that turns the roll pipe 14 .
- the roll pipe 14 travels downward along the side of the container 12 until the tarp 13 is completely unrolled from the roll pipe 14 (i.e., the second position) as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the tarp 13 begins to be rolled back up onto the roll pipe (as a result of the tarp 13 being affixed to the roll pipe 14 ).
- the rolling up of the tarp 13 back onto the roll pipe 14 due to the continued rotation of the roll pipe 14 causes the roll pipe 13 to travel back upwards along the sidewall of the container 12 until it contacts the latching mechanism 43 (which is best illustrated in FIG. 14 ).
- the latching mechanism 43 which is best illustrated in FIG. 14 .
- the actuator 18 is then deactivated and locks in the position where it was deactivated.
- the roll tarp system 10 remains in the closed and latched position until an opening operation of the roll tarp system is initiated.
- the deactivation of the actuator 18 can be triggered automatically in response to a sensor or could be deactivated in response to the commands of an operator.
- the latching mechanism 43 of the illustrated embodiment helps to secure the roll tarp system 10 in the closed position over the open top container 12 and prevent the tarp from becoming opened when not desired. In this manner, a vehicle connected to the open top container 12 can be driven and/or the open top container 12 can be otherwise transported, moved, etc., without the roll tarp system 10 becoming opened.
- the latching mechanism 43 can have a variety of size, shapes an configurations in various embodiments of the roll tarp system. In the illustrated embodiment of the roll tarp system 10 , the latching mechanism 43 is a plate that extends outwardly from a sidewall of the open top container 12 .
- the latching mechanism 43 may be constructed differently
- the latching mechanism may be comprised of one or more tabs or projections that extend from the open top container 12 .
- the latching plate 43 may extend along generally the entire length of the open top container 12 (as shown in FIG. 13 ) or only extend along a portion of the length of the container 12 .
- the latching plate 43 may have a curved profile that corresponds to the general shape of the roll pipe 14 to ensure a secure engagement of the roll pipe 14 with the latching plate 43 .
- the latching plate 43 may have a variety of different shapes.
- the steps described above in connection with the covering of the container 12 are reversed.
- the actuator 18 is activated to rotate the roll pipe 14 in the opposite direction as during the covering of the container (i.e., counter-clockwise direction (when viewed from the front of the container with the arm mount 15 ).
- the small portion of the tarp 13 that was rolled up on the roll pipe 14 during the locking of the roll pipe 14 under the latching member 43 is first unrolled from the roll pipe as a result of the activation of the actuator 18 . This causes the roll pipe 14 to travel downward along the sidewall of the container and out from under the latching mechanism 43 .
- the tarp then begins be rolled up onto the roll pipe 14 due to the affixation of the tarp 13 to the roll pipe 14 and the continued rotation of the roll pipe 14 in response to the operation of the actuator 18 .
- the tarp 13 As the tarp 13 is rolled up onto the roll pipe 14 , the tarp is now between the roll pipe 14 and the latching plate 43 allowing the roll pipe 14 to roll over the latching plate 43 .
- the roll pipe 14 As the tarp continues to be rolled up on the roll pipe 14 , the roll pipe 14 is drawn back over the top of the container 12 towards the open position due to the shortening of the tarp 13 from being rolled onto the roll pipe 14 .
- the roll pipe When the roll pipe reaches the open position (i.e., the first position) it is supported on the supports 50 proximate the lateral 11 b edge of the container as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- the actuator 18 is deactivated and locks in position, holding the rolled up tarp in position alongside the top of the container.
- the biasing force of the flexible arm 16 is restored due to the bending of the arm during the movement of the roll pipe to the open position.
- the flexible arm will then be in a position to bias the roll tarp system 10 towards the closed position once a closing operation of the roll tarp system 10 is commenced.
- the exemplary illustrated embodiment of the roll tarp system includes cross-members or bows 60 that support the tarp 13 as it is unrolled over the top of the open top container 12 .
- the bows 60 also help to ensure that the tarp does not contact the material loaded in the container and provide the closed tarp with a curved or dome shaped profile to prevent rain from collecting or pooling on top of the closed tarp, but rather to run off the sides of the container 12 .
- additional embodiments of the roll tarp system 10 are provided without such bows 60 .
- the coupling unit 19 of the exemplary embodiment includes an actuator attachment 20 .
- the actuator attachment 20 is connected to torque transfer unit 21 by a quick disconnect unit 22 .
- the quick disconnect unit 22 includes a first pin 23 , a pin housing 24 , and spring 25 .
- the first pin 23 mounts in the pin housing 24 .
- the spring 25 serves to bias the pin 23 into opening 80 defined within the actuator attachment to engage the torque transfer unit 21 with the actuator attachment 20 and prevent rotation of the torque transfer unit 21 relative to the actuator attachment 20 .
- torque transfer unit 21 and torque transfer unit 21 may be coupled in a variety of suitable ways in additional embodiments.
- An operator can manipulate the pin 23 from ground level to disengage the pin 23 from the actuator attachment 20 to facilitate the disconnecting of the roll pipe 14 .
- a tool may be provided for manipulation of the pin 23 from ground level or another position located at a distance from the pin 23 .
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the coupling unit 19 showing additional detail of the coupling unit 19 when the pin 23 is engaged with the actuator attachment 20 .
- FIG. 7 shows the first pin 23 after it has been disengaged from the actuator attachment 20 by compressing the spring 25 .
- the spring can be compressed by any suitable method, such as for example, by pulling of ring 123 .
- the first pin 23 is held in this disengaged position by a stop 26 and a second pin 27 that projects from the first pin 23 .
- the pin 23 of the illustrated embodiment can be rotated once pin 27 has been pulled back past stop 26 .
- pin 23 causes pin 27 to abut with stop 26 and prevent the pin 23 from forward movement until the pin is rotated again to disengage pin 27 from stop 26 .
- pin 23 can be secured in a disengaged position in a variety of suitable ways in additional embodiments.
- the actuator attachment 20 can spin freely within bearing 46 , which allows for manual operation of the roll tarp system 10 by a user, such as for example, by using a manual crank 127 illustrated in FIG. 10 .
- the roll pipe of the illustrated embodiment includes a coupler 28 located at an end of the roll pipe 14 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 ).
- the manual crank 127 of various exemplary embodiments is adapted to be coupled to coupler 28 and be operable by an operator standing at ground level to manually rotate the roll pipe 14 .
- any suitable manual device may be used to manually operate the system 10 .
- the torque transfer unit 21 may be allowed to reengage with the actuator attachment 20 by rotating pin 23 and moving the second pin 27 off of the stop 26 . In various exemplary embodiment, this may occur automatically. For example, in various embodiments, as the actuator 18 rotates the actuator attachment 20 , the spring loaded pin 23 may automatically project back through opening 80 defined in the actuator attachment 20 , torsionally locking the actuator attachment 20 to the torque transfer unit 21 .
- the roll pipe 14 is controlled in part by a torque transfer unit 21 that transfers the torque of the actuator 18 to the roll pipe 14 .
- the torque transfer unit 21 connects to one end of the roll pipe 14 .
- the second end of the roll pipe 14 may include a rear coupler 28 and a roll return system 37 .
- the roll return system 37 may be located at the front or the rear of the container 12 or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the roll return system is located at the rear of the container.
- the illustrated embodiment of the rear return system 37 includes an elastic cord 38 , a cord housing 39 , a cable attachment 44 .
- One end of the elastic cord 38 mounts inside a cord housing 39 .
- the cord 38 may be mounted to the cord housing 39 in a variety of different ways in various embodiments.
- cord 38 is an elastic cord, however, in additional embodiments the cord may be comprised of any elongate member, such as rope, twine, a chain, cable, etc.
- the cord 38 may be combined with an extensible member.
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the back end of container 12 with the roll pipe 14 in the third position and no tarp shown.
- the cord housing 39 mounts longitudinally along the body in the illustrated embodiment.
- the cord housing 39 can be mounted in different configurations and in different locations relative to the container 12 in additional embodiments.
- the other end of the elastic cord 38 connects to a cable attachment 44 located on the roll tube 14 that is free to rotate relative to the roll tube 14 .
- the cable attachment 44 allows the rear coupler 28 to remain free from resistance against rotation being exerted upon the roll tube 14 by the attachment of the cable 38 to the roll tube 14 .
- a variety of alternative suitable mechanisms may be used for coupling the cable 38 to the roll tube 14 in additional embodiments.
- the rear roll return system 37 has rollers 40 for smooth release and return of the elastic cord 38 .
- Additional embodiments of the roll tarp system 10 may be provided without any such rollers 40 .
- the rollers 40 are supported in mounting plates 41 .
- the mounting plates 41 are attached to the cord housing 39 by fasteners 70 , however, in various additional embodiments the mounting plates 14 may be mounted to the cord housing 39 in any suitable manner.
- additional embodiments of the roll tarp system 10 may include mounting plates 41 that are integrally formed with the cord housing 39 or no mounting plates may be provided.
- An additional top roller 42 is mounted near the top of the open top container 12 .
- the top roller 42 provides a smooth transition of the elastic cord 38 from the side wall to the top of the open top container 12 and helps to ensure that the cord 38 does not rub against the container and/or become frayed or damaged. Additional embodiments of the roll tarp system 10 may be provided without any such top roller 42 .
- One skilled in the art will recognize that the placement or number of rollers 40 and top roller 42 will vary depending on the configuration of the rear roll return system 37 .
- the exemplary illustrated embodiment of the roll tarp system 10 includes a manual crank 127 connected to a joint 29 which can be turned by a handle 30 by an operator standing on the ground and generally without the need for any tools.
- the joint 29 can be manually connected to the rear coupler 28 (e.g., while the operator is standing on the ground) and will automatically lock in place.
- the joint 29 of the manual crank may be connected to the rear coupler 28 in a variety of different ways in various embodiments.
- the locking mechanism 31 includes a spring 34 biasing a twisting pin 32 to a neutral position.
- the twisting pin 32 has a notch 33 .
- the coupler 28 pushes on twisting pin 32 to turn twisting pin 32 out of the way.
- the notch 33 allows the rear coupler 28 to engage the joint 29 unimpeded.
- the biasing spring 34 returns the twisting pin 32 to its neutral position and the pin 32 sits in a groove 35 on the rear coupler 28 . With the twisting pin 32 resting in the groove 35 , the twist pin 32 locks the manual crank 127 onto the roll pipe 14 .
- the manual crank 127 may be locked in place by any of a variety of suitable locking devices.
- the crank can then be manually operated to turn the roll pipe 14 to cover and uncover a container 12 .
- the crank can be stored along the side of the container 12 .
- the universal joint 29 of the manual crank will then lock the roller in either of the two positions in such exemplary embodiments.
- the roll tarp system is configured to allow an operator to lock the roll pipe 14 and tarp 13 in a covered position.
- the illustrated embodiment of the roll tarp system 10 has a latch plate 43 (as shown in FIGS. 8 , 10 , 13 and 14 ).
- the roll pipe 14 extends down the sidewall of the container 12 past the latch plate 43 as seen in FIG. 2 .
- the roll pipe 14 rolls past the latch plate 43 it continues to roll reaching the end of the tarp 13 .
- the roll pipe then rolls upward and back on the tarp 13 until the roll pipe 14 and tarp 13 latch under the latch plate 43 .
- the flexible arm segment 16 includes four flexible leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , and 36 d .
- Flexible arm segment 16 is attached to rigid arm segment 17 via pivot member 110 that pivotally connects the flexible arm segment 16 to the rigid arm segment 17 .
- the placement and length of the flexible leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , 36 d are adapted to provide adequate biasing force to the roll pipe 14 throughout its motion to keep the tarp properly tensioned and reduce the stress in the leaves for the given deflection.
- the leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , and 36 d also provide a curve to the flexible arm 16 under load allowing the arm segments 16 and 17 to follow the motion of the roll pipe 14 during operation.
- the arm segment 16 also allows limited longitudinal movement of the roll pipe 14 without inducing large stresses in the arm assembly.
- the flexible arm 16 can be made of a single leaf 36 d or multiple flexible leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , and 36 d , or any number of leaves.
- the flexible leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , and 36 d are made of fiberglass.
- the flexible leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , and 36 d and the flexible arm segments 16 of the various embodiments of roll tarp system disclosed herein can be made of any suitable elastic material (i.e. spring steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite materials, etc.) which can be deformed without taking a permanent set.
- suitable elastic material i.e. spring steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite materials, etc.
- FIGS. 18-19 a third exemplary embodiment of roll tarp system 200 is shown.
- the prime symbol is utilized in FIGS. 18-19 to indicate elements of roll tarp system 200 which may be similar but may not be identical to elements of roll tarp system 10 .
- the flexible arm segment 16 ′ includes four flexible leaves 202 , 204 , 206 and 208 .
- flexible leaves 202 , 204 , 206 and 208 are assembled together by use of fasteners 210 , although any suitable method may be used to attach flexible leaves 202 , 204 , 206 and 208 together in various additional embodiments.
- fasteners 210 any suitable method may be used to attach flexible leaves 202 , 204 , 206 and 208 together in various additional embodiments.
- fasteners 210 hold the flexible leaves 202 , 204 , 206 and 208 together, but allow them to slide longitudinally with respect to each other and the flexible arm segment 16 ′ if bent.
- Flexible arm segment 16 ′ is mounted to mount 15 ′ via plate 212 and fasteners 214 .
- the flexible arm segment 16 may be attached to the container mount 15 in a variety of ways.
- the flexible arm segment 16 may be mounted directly to the container 12 .
- Flexible arm segment 16 ′ is attached to rigid arm segment 17 ′ via pivot member 110 that pivotally connects the flexible arm segment 16 ′ to the rigid arm segment 17 ′.
- pivot member 110 includes pivot joint 216 that allows rigid arm member 17 to pivot relative to the flexible arm member 16 ′.
- the flexible arm segment 16 includes four flexible leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , and 36 d and no rigid arm element is provided. Rather, the actuator 18 is mounted directly to flexible leave 36 d .
- the actuator 18 may be mounted to the leave 36 d or any of leaves 36 a , 36 b , 36 c , and 36 d in any suitable manner in various embodiments.
- additional arm assemblies may be provided.
- an additional arm assembly may be mounted on the rear of the container 12 and rotatively connected to the rear end of the roll pipe 14 to help to further bias the rear end of the roll tarp system towards the closed position.
- the additional arm segments may be provided with or without an actuator 18 connected thereto.
- FIG. 22 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a second arm assembly 400 that may be provided with additional embodiments of the roll tarp system 10 .
- the prime symbol is utilized in FIG. 22 to indicate elements of second arm assembly 400 which may be similar but may not be identical to elements of roll tarp system 10 . Referring to FIG.
- the second arm assembly 400 includes a rigid arm section 17 ′ and a bearing section 402 .
- the bearing section 402 of second arm assembly 400 provides for free rotation of the roll tube 14 ′ relative to the second arm assembly 400 .
- the second arm assembly 400 may be located at an opposite end of the roll tube 14 ′ from an arm assembly including an actuator 18 and the actuator can rotate the roll tube 14 ′ without resistance from the second arm assembly.
- the illustrated embodiment of second arm assembly 400 includes a coupler 28 ′ and groove 35 ′ for use in engaging the second arm assembly 400 with a manually operated device, such as for example crank 127 to provide for the manual operation of the roll tarp system.
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Abstract
Description
Claims (24)
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US15/234,277 US10071619B2 (en) | 2012-03-22 | 2016-08-11 | Roll tarp system |
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US9561747B2 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2017-02-07 | Real Royer | Tarpaulin retraction and extension device |
US20160332557A1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-11-17 | Real Royer | Tarpaulin retraction and extension device |
US9669752B2 (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2017-06-06 | Timpte Industries, Inc. | Arms for translating a tarp roller across a trailer and a tarp stop for a tarp supported by the tarp roller |
US10155435B2 (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2018-12-18 | Aero Industries, Inc. | Side-to-side cover system |
EP3241708A1 (en) | 2016-05-02 | 2017-11-08 | Alexander Pöpsel | Method for securing a load and unloading it for roll containers |
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US20220144318A1 (en) * | 2019-02-19 | 2022-05-12 | Ecofab Covers International Inc. | Direct Drive Automated Hatch System for Hopper Railcars |
US11358451B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2022-06-14 | Fabrication Elcargo Inc. | Crank assembly for a tarpaulin retraction and extension device |
US12240302B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2025-03-04 | Fabrication Elcargo Inc. | Tarpaulin protection devices |
US12319131B2 (en) | 2020-08-31 | 2025-06-03 | Fabrication Elcargo Inc. | Tarpaulin including a replaceable section |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20150165883A1 (en) | 2015-06-18 |
US10071619B2 (en) | 2018-09-11 |
US9415667B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 |
US20160347157A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 |
US20130249236A1 (en) | 2013-09-26 |
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